Glenbard South 'superfan' receives new smile for Christmas

Glenbard South High School "superfan" Dave Key (center) shows off his new smile on Dec. 20 at Baker Hill Dental in Glen Ellyn, surrounded by his supporters (from left) dentist Muzammil Saeed, Glenbard South alumnus Kyle Avaloy, Coach John Smith, Coach John Grayson and Jeff Henneman of Dental Works.

GLEN ELLYN – After years of giving to Glenbard South High School sports teams, "superfan" Dave Key received a much-needed Christmas present in return: a shiny new smile.

More than 150 donors contributed to the "Dollars for Dave" campaign started by Glenbard South coaches John Smith, John Grayson and Mike Hearn to provide Key with necessary dental work he would not be able to afford otherwise.

After graduating from the school's program for students with special needs in 2000, Key has continued to attend as many sports games as possible, traveling by foot, bus, car and train to get there.

Key's many friends and supporters helped raise $8,395 for the campaign, the original goal of which was $4,500.

The funds raised will not only provide for immediate dental work, but will also cover continued preventive work, as well as speech therapy to help Key practice talking with his new teeth. Additionally, the coaches are looking into purchasing train and bus passes for Key as he travels to support his favorite teams.

Glen Ellyn dentist Muzammil Saeed and dental technician Jeff Henneman donated much of their services to the campaign. The dental work will continue into the new year.

"Smiling for Christmas, that was the game," Henneman said.

Even having a series of teeth extracted couldn't keep Key from showing his love for the Glenbard South Raiders. After undergoing oral surgery earlier in the day Dec. 19, he still attended a basketball game that evening.

Key said he felt excited and blessed to have his new teeth and wanted to thank the coaches for leading the campaign and all his fans for supporting it.

"We're overwhelmed with the generosity, not only of the Raider nation, but all over the area," Smith said.